Benefits of Alfalfa for Dogs

For dog health, here are the benefits of alfalfa. Chock full
of antioxidants for dogs, sprouting your own organic seeds is a breeze.

Before I started supplementing my dogs food with specific herbs I used whole foods. Whole foods are always best to get the phytonutrients that work together for absorption and usability. It's where vitamin pills are sorely lacking.

A favorite which I still serve my dog on occasion is alfalfa, but only if I sprout organic seeds myself. Its fun.

Here's what I remember fondly when I had five big dogs. When the seeds of alfalfa were in the jar in the window sill they
will sit and beg before they were even ready.
Whoever would have thought that would happen? Everyone would try to get closest by nudging each other with their rumps and sit right in front of the jar as though it would magically open.

Nutrients in Alfalfa

Alfalfa contains so many nutrients that it would bore me to list them
and you to read them. Let's just say its full of vitamins, minerals,
enzymes, proteins and fiber and is truly a superfood.

Yes there are a few other superfoods but this the easiest one to grow yourself. Besides, the longer foods sit, the more nutrients it loses so eating them right out of the sprouting jar gives the best nutrients possibilities.

How to Serve Alfalfa Sprouts

First I tried putting them on sandwiches for me and mixing it in my
dogs homemade raw food for them. It worked okay but I got bored with mine and
they left little sprouts stuck to the bowls that were annoying to wash out.

Then I tried putting them through the food processor just before
dinnertime (here's my recipes.) It worked. Then one day I offered a handful to one
of the dogs as a treat. I was shocked to see the look on Lulu's face.
(She looks cross-eyed in the first picture doesn't she?) That dog went to town and ate it
all, then asked for more. We were on to something.

So all this came to mind because I ran across a picture of one of my dogs patiently staring at the sprout jar in the window. What a wonderful memory and as a dog treat, a far cry from the old crap I used to think was good. I shudder to think of those dog biscuits made with flour that cause tarter build up and plaque. (Yup, the opposite as advertised)

Growing Alfalfa Sprouts for Your Dog

I got a sprout jar lid that screws onto a mason jar (under $1). I put
2 Tablespoons of organic alfalfa seeds (12 oz. bag for $6.99 which lasts forever) in
the jar with some water and swirl it around.

I leave the seeds sitting in water in the jar for 24 hours in a
dark cupboard. After that, I drain, rinse and drain again twice a day
for two days. It keeps them moist enough to sprout but not too wet to
mold.

Then I put the jar in the window sill or near a window and rinse
once a day for two days. By the end of 4 days total, they have tiny
green leaves and are ready for munching and keep well in the fridge for several days.

Want to Learn More About Superfoods and Supplements?

Come on by Dog Talk Tuesday here on this website and check out some of the recent topics. You might start with colostrum. Now there's something rarely considered yet it's soooo good for everyone.

This should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway: I am not a medical veterinarian and nothing at this website should be taken as medical advice. Discuss all medical issues with your own Veterinarian.